Senator Sherwin Gatchalian recently emphasized the critical role of Filipino seafarers in the nation’s economic development as they head back home for the Christmas season. He highlighted the significance of the newly enacted Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, which aims to bolster their safety and security at work. Gatchalian stated that these maritime professionals are vital to the country’s economic health, describing them as the backbone of the maritime sector. He stressed the necessity for continuous support and protection from the government to ensure their welfare, safety, and equitable treatment worldwide.
According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Filipino seafarers contributed significantly to the economy with remittances totaling USD602.35 million in October alone. From January to October 2024, their remittances surged to USD5.69 billion, a 14% increase from the previous year’s USD5.61 billion for the same period.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act 12021, known as the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, in September. Gatchalian, a key contributor to the legislation, is confident that it will enhance the seafarers’ job performance and global competitiveness. The forthcoming implementing rules and regulations will further demonstrate the Philippines’ dedication to international maritime safety standards, particularly in improving training and accreditation for seafarers.
The law also aims to secure a safe and compliant workplace for Filipino seafarers, ensuring fair employment terms, decent living conditions on ships, and proper medical care for both overseas and domestic workers. Between 2016 and 2021, the Philippines sent out over 400,000 seafarers, underscoring the country’s robust maritime tradition. It’s estimated that one in every four to five crew members on a ship is Filipino.
The deployment of seafarers saw a sharp 54% decline in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but numbers rebounded in 2021, reaching nearly 40,000 monthly deployments, close to pre-pandemic levels.